Liberalism has had many definitions, many of them contrasting and all can be used to promote or impede reform. The creed has faced challenges, and is still doing so in the post-Cold War world. When India loses respect in the comity of nations, it is because of a transient loss of the liberal spirit. Yet its long-term prestige as a liberal powerhouse can do a world of good. Uddalok Bhattacharya sums up
The classical liberal order is under threat. Deepak Lal describes how
India’s eroding economic cachet and polarised society are hurting its status of being a major economic power,